Blackjack

Blackjack and poker stand out as two of the industry's most sought-after card games. While these games have some similarities, they also have significant differences you will find, whether in land-based or online casinos. Their biggest difference is that you play against the casino in blackjack, and in poker, you play among other players.

If you are a fan of classic card and table games, you must have come across blackjack and poker. Whether you visit a brick-and-mortar or online casino, these two games are the most popular variations you'll hardly miss. Even though these games appear similar in many ways, they have many differences we cannot overlook. The common factor between blackjack and poker is placing bets and the deck of cards used. And the biggest difference between these games is that in blackjack, you play against the casino, and in poker, you play among other players. Moreover, poker can be beaten with a solid strategy, while blackjack gives the house an advantage that is hard to beat. The debate between blackjack and poker players doesn't seem to end any son, so we have decided to highlight the main differences to help you make a solid decision.

How Does Blackjack Work?

Blackjack or 21 is an appealing casino game with a massive fan base across the US. Besides the intriguing gameplay, this game follows simple rules where your goal is to reach a hand total close to 21. Any hand that exceeds 21 in blackjack is considered a bust, and you lose. The unique thing about blackjack is you play against the dealer and other players. Each player focuses on beating the dealer's hand, and they can apply different approaches such as card counting to achieve this. A standard blackjack game is played with single or multiple decks of 52 cards. Remember that suits have no meaning in blackjack, and number cards have values equal to their numbers. All cards with faces (Jacks, Queens and Kings) are worth 10, while Aces may be worth 11 or one, depending on the player's hand. Every blackjack table has a betting limit, and the minimum and maximum amount will vary depending on the variant you are playing. Before you start playing blackjack, you need to understand the various moves you can make, such as hit, stand, double down, and split. The key aspects that make a good blackjack player are:

• Master the basic strategy and strategy chart
• Understand how card counting works
• Ability to access a hand quickly
• Learn the various moves you can make

How Does Poker Work?

While the origins of poker are still unknown to this day, some believe it evolved from the ancient Persian game As Nas. Other people argue that poker is closely related to the old Chinese game dominoes. Regardless, poker has stood the test of time for more than 1000 years and is still incredibly popular in the gambling industry. As a fact, more tables are dedicated to poker than blackjack at leading casinos. Like blackjack, most poker games use a 52 card deck of playing cards. The rules of playing poker are passed down through tradition and experience. While knowing the standard rules of poker are suitable for your success, it's essential to understand that poker has dozens of house rules to follow.

But what makes poker a very popular game? Poker table games offer the perfect blend of skill and chance. A good poker player must calculate the probability of winning and read the opponent's play to beat them. In addition, poker players should not only have a mathematical advantage but also express extraordinary psychological abilities. Some of the aspects that make a good poker player are:

• Know which open cards to play and which ones to fold
• Find the best starting hands.
• Know when to bluff.
• Show aggression whenever it's needed.
• Never be afraid to fold.

Key Differences Between Blackjack and Poker

Now that you have a clue about how blackjack and poker games work, it's time to find out the differences between these two iconic games. Remember, the differences may be caused by the variations, playing rules, and other factors.

The Difference In Skill Level

Both blackjack and poker players argue about their game requiring more skills than another. The truth is that both games need skills to maximize the chances of winning. However, the skill level varies between these two games. With blackjack, the skill level is limited, and it does not guarantee an edge over the house or casino. On the other hand, Poker allows players to improve their skills and enjoy a massive edge over their opponent's play. Blackjack players can benefit more from using the optimal strategy that gives a slight advantage over the opponent. Using a card counting technique is one sure way to improve your odds of winning blackjack games. Thus, you can easily make good fortune based on your skills more in poker than in blackjack.

The Social Aspect

When comparing poker and blackjack, you must keep in mind that the latter is a proper casino game. This means that you can join any table and play against the dealer without the company of other players, regardless it's a single-deck or multi-deck game. As for poker, there should be at least two or more players for the game to start. Even more interesting with poker is that players compete against each other. The secret in poker is the ability to think faster than your opponent, create traps, and play psychological games that will make them fall into your trap. In blackjack, all you need is to remain focused on the basic strategy and stick to your moves in every hand. The fact that you are playing in the company of other players makes poker a more social game than its blackjack counterpart.

You Can Bluff In Poker

The good thing about poker is that it always gives players a way to win a hand, even if it's unclear. Players can bluff and win by force if they don't have a good hand. However, this option is not available for blackjack players. In blackjack, players have the option to play cards face up and make mathematically reasonable moves. Bluffing makes poker a more competitive and intriguing game than blackjack, and it is an essential requirement if you want to win. The skill of balancing between value betting and bluffing makes poker a choice for elite and expert players.

Card Counting In Blackjack

If you've been to any online casino, you probably must have come across card counters. This is a technique blackjack player employ to gain an advantage over the casino. When counting cards in blackjack, you need to: assign a value to every hand, maintain a running count by adding or subtracting every card in the shoe, use the acquired information to determine the true count and lastly, adjust your wagers as true count increases.

Unfortunately, this system cannot be applied to poker. This is because only a couple of cards are in every poker hand. Also, the deck of cards is shuffled in full after every poker hand, making it difficult to count cards.

High Chances Of Winning In Poker

Since poker is a pure game of skill, you are guaranteed winnings in the long run. This explains why we have many professional poker players that have made their wealth from playing poker. Professional poker players are highly respected in the community and are considered intelligent or elite. You will often see them portrayed on media as celebs. If you fancy the lifestyle of rockstars with luxurious cars and six-piece suites, then poker is the game you should go for. The fact that you are guaranteed long-term returns in poker makes it better fun than its opponent.

Though you can get good payouts using card counting in blackjack, the technique is not accepted at most casinos. In fact, you risk being banned if found counting cards in any online casino in the US.

Easy To Master Blackjack

Many players opt for blackjack over poker because it's easy to master the basics and gameplay. Sharp people can take a few days only to learn the basic strategy and a few more days to master the card counting technique. Poker is a bit complex when it comes to gameplay. The most confusing part of poker is the different game variations that can come with unique rules. Becoming a pro poker player does not happen overnight. It will take an average player many years of dedication and hard work to achieve the title. This is why many newbies tend to choose blackjack, as it has straightforward gameplay.

Sponsorship Deals And Opportunities

Poker players have a better chance of landing sponsorship deals than blackjack players. There are many poker tournaments that receive huge sponsorship deals with top brands in the world. Tournament winners are invited by media houses for interviews featured in TV Shows and various poker platforms. Of course, these opportunities come with extra perks and rewards. Moreover, many poker stars offer to coach, content creation, and other related activities that are profitable. This explains why poker is recommended for people looking to make a career out of gambling. Unfortunately, these opportunities are unavailable for blackjack players.

Blackjack Has A Moderate Gameplay.

Truth be told, nothing about poker is moderate. The fact that all other players are focused on you creates a tense mood. With blackjack, everything is relaxed as you simply follow your basic strategy without much thinking and calculating. You don't have to be focused on your opponent's cards at all times. Moreover, blackjack players can leave the table at any time or play hands for any stake they like. Additionally, blackjack is between a dealer and player, and there is no need to worry about making a move that will cost your stake.

Competitive Level

When it comes to poker, it is more than just gambling and winning money. Poker is about titles, status, and ranks. Poker players are always determined to make a legacy of themselves. Poker titles are highly valuable and are often compared to the titles in other sports like football and tennis. Players with many WSOP bracelets are big celebs and often given top seats in events. Nonetheless, there are no blackjack tournaments, and players are not given any medals or ranks. Lucky winners in blackjack simply pocket their money and move with life as usual.

The House Edge

The game's house edge tells the mathematical advantage the casino has over players. It is an estimated amount of how much the casino will profit in the long run and is always represented in percentage form. Though the edge benefits the casino in the long run, anything can happen in the short run. Depending on the strategy, a regular blackjack game has a house edge varying between 0.3% and 1%. There is no house edge in poker since you are not playing against a dealer but among yourself. Although you'll be below and up sometimes in the game, it all comes down to an equal game. Nevertheless, casinos deduct a 5% rake from winnings before reaching the player. Therefore, technically, poker has a 5% house edge, but it may vary in online casinos.

Which Game To Choose - Blackjack Or Poker?

If you are the type of person that likes learning new skills, you should try out both games. Nevertheless, it comes down to your priorities and preferences. Social people who enjoy other players' company on the table while testing their brain abilities should go for poker. However, if you are the types that can sit alone on the table and enjoy a game session, blackjack is the game you should be checking. Both games are great and deliver an incredible experience. The best way to succeed in these games is regular practice and using a solid strategy. Moreover, make sure you pick a reputable online casino with generous bonuses and other incentives to boost your bankroll.

A standard blackjack game comes with a single or multi-deck of cards in land-based and internet-based casinos. However, the number of decks may vary from one casino game to another. A single deck game uses only one deck of cards, and multi decks use 6 deck blackjack, 3 deck blackjack, 8 deck blackjack, and 10 deck blackjack.

Blackjack is a fascinating game loved by people of different calibre globally. Whether you play this game from the comfort of your home, online or land-based casinos, you are guaranteed an incredible experience. Originally, blackjack or 21 was played with a single deck, but it has quickly evolved with the card counting technique. The invention of multi-deck games has affected various factors, such as the house edge and the ultimate strategy. Therefore, let's find out more about the deck of cards in blackjack games and how they affect the general gameplay.

Basically, there is no restriction to how many cards are used in a blackjack game. However, it should be understood that the more the number of decks a game has, the more complicated it becomes. As earlier mentioned, a modern blackjack game is played using six to eight decks of the 52 playing cards. The varying number of decks has led to the introduction of different variations of blackjack games.

Impact of Decks On House Edge

An average single deck blackjack game has a house edge of 0.5% when applying basic strategy and 2% ignoring the ultimate system. Also, single-deck games are considered to have player-friendly rules. Things get complicated, especially for card counters when six to eight decks of cards are used. The more decks are used in a game, the lower chances of drawing a natural blackjack. Also, a few decks of cards affect the dealer from drawing a natural blackjack against the player's blackjack; thus, there are minimal chances of a pushed tie occurring.

Impact of House Edge On Card Counting

Card counting is a technique that has been used to benefit many pro blackjack players who can determine which cards have already been played and their possible values versus the cards remaining in the shoe. By knowing this information, players can determine the dealer's move without much difficulty. However, if you are not smart in counting cards, you should opt for single-deck games. If you are ready to learn and master card counting, you can purchase books or visit various blackjack online platforms that offer the same services.

Why Many Casinos Offer Single Decks

The main reason traditional casinos offer blackjack games with few decks is to increase players' chances of winning. Also, some casinos use limited decks to track players who use the card counting strategy and the cards used. The dealer or casino can quickly tell any foul on the blackjack table. Additionally, casinos use few decks to lure many players into gambling platforms.

Why Casinos Offer Multiple Deck Games

Online casinos are in business and are constantly developing different ways to increase their profit. Since each game is designed to aid players to win, casinos have shifted to offering multi-deck games. Games with multiple decks affect players' tips and strategies to boost their winning opportunities. At the end of the day, casinos have a higher advantage over players; that's why winning is not an easy task.

Decks Used By Casinos In A Day

It is vital to know the number of decks that a casino use in a single day. Multiple factors affect the number of decks used, but it is not easy to absolutely tell the number of cards that a casino will use. If many players play 6 deck or deck blackjack games, then you expect the casino to use more decks than when single-deck games are played.

Bottom Line

At this point, you know the number of decks that are used in a standard blackjack table game. The best thing with blackjack games is that they come in different variations. Thus, you can choose to play a single deck game or opt for the multi-deck, depending on your skills. Remember, this is a skill-based game that allows you to apply strategies to win more. The secret to winning is practising your blackjack game regularly.

Even if you are new to online casinos, you probably have heard the term blackjack. Blackjack is undoubtedly the most popular casino card game that has stood the test of time. The fact that you can practice for free and apply a strategy has contributed significantly to the popularity of these card games. However, you may not be familiar with another close cousin to blackjack is, known as pontoon. Though these two games may appear similar, they have some differences that can not be ignored.

This article covers all the relevant information you should know about the main differences between blackjack and pontoon. It also highlights the rules of playing pontoon vs. traditional blackjack. So, let's get started.

The Rules Of Pontoon VS. Traditional Blackjack

Gameplay

In the traditional blackjack, the game starts with players their bets. Then you and the dealer receive two cards facing up. However, both cards dealer cards are dealt facing down in a regular pontoon game. There is only one face-down card in a blackjack game.

Nevertheless, you must understand that the other features and rules of playing these two games are similar. 

The surrender and insurance options are available during the gameplay. Also, the rule of winning is similar to regular blackjack games, where the objective is to get a hand as close to 21 but not exceed it. As such, newbies should not have any problem playing pontoon if they have skills in blackjack.

Playing Rules

When playing pontoon, you can not stand unless your cards add to 14 or lower. Also, you continue hitting until your total exceeds 14. However, you can stand at any time in a traditional blackjack game, even when requesting an extra card. This means that you cannot burst like in a regular blackjack game. You can win with 14 or less in blackjack and not in pontoon.

A Tie Equals A Lose In Pontoon

The reasons pontoon is less liked by people is because a tie is a win for the dealer and not the player like in regular blackjack. When it comes to traditional blackjack, you get back your money when you bet in a tie. If applied to a standard blackjack game, this rule can use a significant amount of your budget since ties often show up.

Both Dealer's Cards Face Down

Forget about knowing the dealer's chance of hitting 21 using the first two cards in a pontoon game. This rule can disadvantage the player because it's hard to change your strategy if the dealer's card adds up to 21. For example, you cannot forfeit the game using a surrender.

Game Payouts

There are pontoon rules which give players an advantage over a regular blackjack game. So when you hit a 21 with the first two cards in pontoon, the payout is 2:1. With any regular blackjack, players receive a payout of 3:1. This is one reason some people prefer this version of blackjack to the traditional form.

Double Down/Buying Cards

This is one of the few rules in pontoon that are more favorable to players than those in regular blackjack. By doubling down while playing pontoon, you can ask for new cards. With traditional blackjack, doubling down entitles you to a new card but nothing more. 

Doubling Down With 3 And 4 Cards

With standard blackjack, it's impossible to double down unless you are holding two cards. But with pontoon, doubling down is possible even if you have 3 or 4 cards. Although this is obviously a benefit since you have more options for play, it is essential to execute the strategy effectively to avoid it working against you.

Pontoon Recognizes A Five Card Trick

The player who holds 5 cards and does not exceed 21 can win even if the dealer has a 21 (known as a Pontoon instead of a blackjack in this game). This is not as easy as it seems, but it does help tip the odds in your favor when it happens.

Conclusion

So you now understand the differences as well as the advantage and disadvantages of playing this exciting pontoon variant. 

Overall, this game has thrilling gameplay and lots of fun, regardless you play it online or in a brick-and-mortar gaming venue. If you are yet to play pontoon, you can try it out for free at any online casino site you prefer. Then you will understand why it is a favorite to many new and expert players.

Yes. Playing blackjack by yourself at your own pace can be a great opportunity to practice and learn the game; however, solo players may lack the stimulation from interacting with others in person or online.

Blackjack is one of the most popular card games in the gambling industry. Though the origin of this game is still debatable, it's believed to have been invented around 1700. Today, there are numerous variations of blackjack games you can play at online and land-based casinos. While these games may appear different, the rules of playing are the same.

As you may be aware, the objective in a blackjack game is to beat the dealer's hand without exceeding 21. One good thing with online blackjack is that you can play in free mode before betting with real money. However, it is essential to understand that blackjack is a skill-based game, meaning you need regular practice and a strategy to maximize your chances of winning. 

The most common question that newbies ask is whether you can play a blackjack game solo.

Here, we've provided a detailed answer to help you to know whether you can play this card game by yourself or as a group.

Playing Blackjack By Yourself - Is It Possible?

When it comes to playing blackjack, players have their own preferences. You will find some players prefer full tables while others enjoy playing one on one. Of course, playing blackjack alone comes with its advantages and disadvantages.

Any blackjack game requires discipline, skills, and frequent practice. To be a successful player, you need a lot of exposure playing with an expert or a veteran gamer. Playing blackjack alone is more or less like playing solitaire. Solo blackjack players have enough time to concentrate and adjust their strategy to improve their winning opportunities.

The greatest advantage of playing blackjack by yourself is that your flaws and mistakes are not exposed to the public. This, you stay more focused and undisrupted by other players. While playing with experts is good, they tend to be more rigid and scolding whenever you make a slight mistake.

Imagine a case where you are a dealer and a player. You start by dealing cards as if other players are available. Place the first cards face down and the next face-up cards. You must note the face-up cards that 'other players' are holding and try to gauge one's gut feelings. Additionally, you need to try guessing the dealt blackjack cards and decide whether to bet low, double down, or split. Then you look at the cards to determine your accuracy in guessing.

When playing blackjack by yourself, most games are two-card deals. Players are free to deal three to four cards with other players. Also, solo gaming allows card counting to be practiced to mastery. When blackjack cards and sessions are dealt, you need to try and count the shuffled and dealt cards without being too obvious. Additionally, playing blackjack by yourself trains you to be sharp and make mature decisions.

Conclusion

Playing blackjack by yourself can be an excellent opportunity to practice. While solo playing comes with its share of downsides, you are more likely to benefit in the long run. Of course, the benefits outweigh the weaknesses. Many veteran and seasoned players are biased when it comes to guiding and helping newbies. This can be very discouraging and demoralizing. But when you play by yourself, you have confidence even if you are not winning. 

Moreover, you get to choose the games you like and play at your own pace. Additionally, bankroll management is much easier since you are not pressured to keep with other punters. Whether you are playing blackjack for fun or betting with real money, it's enjoyable when you are on your own.

Playing blackjack at a full table is the best way for newbies to learn and get better. You have more time to strategize your moves at a full table and chat with other players when not playing.

Blackjack is a skill-based card game that is loved by many people globally. Players can enjoy their favorite blackjack games in free mode or gamble for real money in the leading online casinos. One of the interesting things about blackjack is that you can play at a full table or an empty table. Regardless of your choice, you will find it fun playing blackjack as the rules are more or less the same.

For beginners, the objective of the blackjack table game is pretty straightforward. Players must get a hand as close to 21 as possible without exceeding it. The best part is that players are free to apply different strategies to maximize the chances of beating the dealer's hand.

This article answers the most popular question of whether it's better to play blackjack at a full table.

Benefits of Playing Blackjack Game at a Full Table

There are many reasons why people prefer playing blackjack games at full tables in online casinos and brick-and-mortar gaming venues. These reasons include:

Game Odds

The number of players does not affect blackjack odds. When playing a single deck game or a blackjack game that is between you and the dealer, there are numerous opportunities for getting a blackjack. Nevertheless, the dealer has a higher advantage over the player because the player receives a payout of 3 to 2.  Also, it is hard for the player to count cards since the game is played at a faster speed as the cards are only dealt between the punter and dealer.

Playing Moves

With a full table, players are able to strategize their moves as the other players can help distract from their intended hand. The best play moves that work in favor of a head-up player are doubling down, splitting, and placing side bets. Since other players are on the table, you can see the cards as they are dealt out and adjust your wager accordingly.

Slow Losing Rate

The distribution of cards at a full table is more vast, and players have a chance of creating more formations with cards that are still easy to win, even if they are not a natural blackjack. The losing rate is slower compared to heads-up play.

Lower House Edge

The dealer does not have a solid advantage when it comes to full table blackjack since there are fewer chances of coming up with a natural blackjack. On the other side of the coin, players have a small edge of coming up with blackjack. Moreover, players can find other ways of coming up with a better hand than the dealers without going over 21.

Newbie-Friendly

Many new blackjack players prefer slower games as they get enough time to make moves. The slow rate at the table is not only good for your budget but also allows you to learn the ins and outs of the game. While blackjack does not require you to play with anyone, playing alongside other expert punters can be the best instructive lesson you can get.

Social Aspect

Some players hate being around crowded blackjack tables or many fellow players. However, if you are the person who prefers being around many people, playing at a full table is the best option. The advantage of crowded tables is that you can chat with other players and enjoy better gameplay. The best part is that you can all cheers together in case the dealer burst.

Card Counting

Players who are into counting cards often find big blackjack tables to be to their advantage. This is because with many players, there is less chance of detecting a successful counter by the casino. Additionally, there are more cards that are dealt per hand, and this helps card counters to get through a blackjack shoe faster. This implies that they are able to raise their bets in a quicker way whenever the count is favorable.

A Chance to Enjoy Free Drinks

If you enjoy having a drink when playing blackjack, you ought to consider full tables. This is because some casinos frequently offer free drinks and other incentives to keep players for a long time. Also, crowded tables attract many waitresses who offer good services, knowing they will get better tips.

What To Consider When Choosing A Blackjack Table

Now that you know why it is better to play at a full blackjack table, it is also important to know how to choose a good table. Here are some of the key factors you must consider:

• Minimum Bet and Maximum Bet Limit: Betting limits do affect your strategy in blackjack, but knowing the limits will save you the embarrassment of not being able to raise the minimum table limit. The bet limit will vary depending on the variation you are playing.
• Number of Decks: The number of decks of cards affects the house edge in blackjack. The edge of the game increases with the number of decks. Also, you need to determine whether the game you are playing is a single deck or a double deck.
• Playing Rules: The mix of playing rules and the number of decks determines the house edge against you. Always take time to study the rules of playing your selected blackjack table game.
• Number of Players: The number of players on a blackjack table determines the playing speed, and the hands played. It is recommended to play a full blackjack game because you get fewer hands dealt with you than on an empty table.

Conclusion

At this point, we believe you know why many veteran players prefer playing at full table blackjack games over empty tables. The leading online casinos offer different variations of blackjack for players to choose from. The secret to being successful is using a blackjack basic strategy to maximize your chances of getting big payouts in the long run. 

The good thing about online blackjack games is that they use random number generator software to determine fair payouts. Also, most players opt for online casinos because they offer lucrative bonuses and other promotions to boost their bankroll.

Having friends or family over to play blackjack can be a fun way to spend a weekend or evening. Blackjack is, without a doubt, one of the most popular card games in the industry. While it is mostly played at land-based and online casinos, you can also play at the comfort of your home. 

However, you need to understand a few things about blackjack before throwing a party. We've put together a few requirements you should know, including blackjack equipment, how to play for fun without a dealer, winning strategies, security in-home blackjack games, and much more.

Home Blackjack Equipment

To host a successful home blackjack game, you must ensure that you have assembled all the required equipment. The good thing is that most of the items are available in local and online stores. The following equipment must be available:

A Card Table

A standard blackjack table is designed to accommodate between 5 and 6 players. Don't go for the idea of using a dining table as most people do. Using dining tables can be tedious for the dealer. A card table is a must-have item.

Betting Chips

Betting chips are easy to find, and they are pretty cheap. Using real chips makes everything unified and transparent. Also, players can tell the amount of money other players are betting with.

Playing Cards

A good game requires 1 to 6 decks, depending on how you plan to deal your game. It is not recommended to use cardboard playing cards. Once you spill any liquid on them, they spoil. Also, they can be torn by kids accidentally.

A Dealer's Button

You can find a dealer's button with many card sets, which is extremely useful in the game. The button is placed in front of whoever is dealing the game. It helps clear the confusion of who is dealing with the game.

A Shoe

If your blackjack game involves multiple decks, you need to buy a shoe and deal cards from it. It's optional if you are playing on a single deck blackjack table.

How To Play Blackjack At Home Without A Dealer?

The interesting thing about many card games played at home is that players compete against each other. However, the case is different with blackjack games. Instead of competing against each other, players compete to beat the dealer. But since there is no professional dealer from a casino, you must share the duty of dealing.

The reason why the duties of dealing must be shared by all players is that the dealer always has an edge in blackjack. By sharing the role, all players get a fair chance to win. Therefore, when organizing a home-based blackjack game, the first thing to consider is how the dealing turns will run.

The first step is to ask all players to pick a card from the deck randomly. The player who gets the highest card automatically becomes the first dealer. Once the turn of dealing is over, the role is moved to the player sitting on the left, and the turns continue until all players are served.

Secondly, you need to decide the duration of dealing with a game before passing it to the next dealer. This is pretty simple in a multi-deck game using the cutting card. As the name suggests, a cutting card is used to cut the game, and it's placed around one-fourth of the way from the base of the deck.

But if you are playing a single deck game, you must shuffle the cards after each round for a new dealer to be picked. Nevertheless, it's advisable to choose dealers in advance and decide the number of hands that they'll deal with. In a standard blackjack, a dealer should play between 3 and 10 hands before the next dealer takes position. The reason is if the dealer busts the first hand, they'll have to deal and pay all players on the table.

Once you have determined the dealing turns, the next step is to start placing bets. Like baccarat and poker card games, blackjack is not fun without betting. You must determine how the players will bet. Moreover, you must ensure that all the equipment, including cards, is available.

If you are hosting the game, you automatically become the banker. You'll be exchanging chips for cards. As a banker, you are responsible for the security of any money used in the game. All players must have enough chips to cover their turn while dealing with the game. Moreover, the host must decide the minimum bet for all players. This implies that players must buy chips before joining the blackjack table.

It is required that the minimum buy-in for each player must be 100 times the minimum bet range. This implies that if you set the minimum bet to be $1 for every hand, players must spend at least $100 on chips.

Home Blackjack Game Strategy Advice

As earlier mentioned, one of the advantages of blackjack games is that you can apply a strategy to increase your winning opportunities. There are many strategies and betting systems that you can use at any time to maximize your potential to win. Whether you are playing blackjack for the first time or you are a veteran player, you will benefit from our strategy advice.

Double Down on a Hard 11

Doubling down on a hard 11 against the dealer's upcard will always give you a chance of winning more money. If you are playing with multiple decks where the dealer must stand on 17, you have a higher chance of hitting against a dealer ace than doubling down.

Split a Pair of 8s and Aces

It is advisable to always split a pair of 8s and aces. Many players often avoid splitting with a pair of 8s when the dealer's upcard is a 9, 10, or an Ace. Since they are big underdogs, they don't see a reason to wager more money. What they forget is that you lose less money in the long run when you split a pair of aces and 8s.

Never Split a Pair of 5s or Tens

A pair of 5s is equal to a hard 10, and it is recommended to always take one or more card draws to a 10 instead of splitting the 5s and then playing two hands. The good thing is that  in splitting tens winnings happens more often than losing

Hit a Hard 12 Against the Dealer's 2 or 3 Upcard

Since many blackjack players fear to burst, they tend to stand on their hard 12. However, hitting against the dealer's 2 or 3 upcards will cost you in the long run, regardless of whether you hit or stand. To avoid losing more money, you must hit.

Hit Ace-7 when the Dealer's Upcard is 9, 10, or Ace

Many punters imagine that any hand that totals 18 guarantees a win. That's why they prefer to stand on a soft 18 whenever the dealer shows a strong upcard. The best strategy, in this case, is always to hit ace-7 anytime the dealer shows a 9, 10, or ace as the upcard.

Double Down on 10 when the Dealer's Upcard is 9 or Less

Whenever you have a 2-card 10 against any of the dealer's upcards or less, you become the favorite. This is why it is advisable to double down in this case. The simple rule is always to double down on 10 when the dealer has 9 or less.

Avoid The Insurance Bet

By all means, never make an insurance bet in any blackjack game. Don't accept to be lured by a good hand like 19 or 20. An insurance bet offers payouts of 2 to 1, which is less than the odds of the dealer will have a blackjack.

Learn Bankroll Management

When playing blackjack games for real money, it is essential to learn some bankroll management skills. You should be able to set aside some funds to be used on betting. This way, you can tell whether you are profiting or losing in your blackjack games.

Consider Card Counting

Though card counting is not for everyone, it can benefit your blackjack game. This skill takes time to learn and requires regular practice. But it is not complicated as many people tend to believe. Counting cards in blackjack is not all about memorizing the exact cards that have been played. You must be able to keep a general track of all the low cards and high cards that have been played. Though card counting is not illegal, many casinos don't accept it. That's why we recommend this technique when you are playing at home with your buddies.

212 Manhattan Betting System

This is a progressive betting system that uses units. It aims to cap your downside and take profit when you win, and maximize your bankroll when you are on a hot streak. The sequence starts with 2 units, and if you win, you take profit and reduce your bet by one unit on the next hand. The good thing about this strategy is that it doesn't require a huge bankroll; however, the profit is small.

Deviation Strategy

You are not bound to use one blackjack strategy while playing. A time will come when you break from the normal strategy. This occurs when you stand a higher chance of winning by contradicting the strategy you are using. Nevertheless, the blackjack deviation strategy depends on the composition of cards that are remaining in the shoe. You must be an expert in card counting to successfully break from your strategy.

Surrender Strategy

The most misunderstood strategy in the blackjack game is surrender. With the surrender strategy, players can hand over their cards back to the dealer. The casino gives the player half of their original bet in return. Using surrender strategy depends on the dealer's upcard.

Martingale Betting System

Though Martingale is a popular betting system in roulette games, it can also be used in blackjack. The objective of this betting system is to profit from the initial wager; regardless it's the player's first hand or 10th hand.

Security In Blackjack At Home

Though you know everyone that will be joining you for a blackjack game, it is essential to keep a few things in mind regarding security. The first and foremost important thing is to ensure that you keep the money used in the game safely. Pick a location based on the amount you are going to spend. For instance, we recommend using a cigar box if your friends are betting 25 cents per hand. But if the bet ranges between $1 and $5 per hand, you must use a safe box and keep the funds away until the playing session is over.

There have been incidents in the past where home-based gambling games have been robbed. Additionally, if you don't know everyone that will be participating in the game, you need to consider the types of chips that you will be using. It's pretty simple for a player to conceal and produce identical if you are using the standard plastic red, white and blue chips. Make sure you count all the chips you will be using in the game.

Blackjack With Friends FAQs